Hey there, interested minds and wayward souls! Today, we're diving into a topic that's like a science laboratory run wild starring your brain: ADHD. But hold onto your beaker, because this isn't just any old science project– it's a mind bender with lifelong consequences if we don't pay attention to it. I should know, with next to no awareness on the subject, I was diagnosed with ADHD in my fifties. Please feel free to toss out of your mind that misconception of a squirmy little boy who can’t sit still in his school desk and constantly interrupting his teacher. As a youth I was a polar opposite, a quiet young boy who could barely keep his eyes open in class from chronic fatigue, and slouched down in his chair so he wouldn’t be called upon by his teacher.
Now, with the proper medications, it feels as if my brain is a supercomputer as it kicks in to hyperfocus on certain tasks. But every so often, even with medication, my supercomputer gets distracted faster than a squirrel with a nut obsession. That's ADHD in a nutshell. Pun intended.
Trust me, without medication, my ADHD would be more like a lifelong tape recorder attached to my hip and sticking around forever. And that's why adults and we are talking about men and women– need to understand it better than a formula to draft the perfect Fantasy Football team or bake an outstanding chocolate Soufflé.
Now, let's rewind a bit and start with the basics. ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
But here's where it gets interesting: ADHD isn't just a temporary glitch in the system. Some of you may have read that it also comes with some amazingly cool perks, like creativity, energy, and spontaneity and It's like having your own built-in fireworks show!
This might be true but here's the plot twist: living with ADHD is akin to playing chess against a grandmaster while your pieces keep morphing into rubber ducks.
Spotting ADHD isn't exactly a walk in the park, whether you're dealing with a teen, a grown-up, or even a ninja turtle. There are at least seven types of ADHD personality or brain traits, according to Daniel G. Amen, MD., a bestselling author on ADHD and the founder of the Amen Clinics, Inc.
An individual may have a few traits in one area, while another person may have several behaviors in multiple areas, which makes precise observation all the more important.
That's where you as an adult with ADHD, or a parent of a child with ADHD must learn to cowboy up. Become passionate about learning as much as you can about ADHD and be the rock needed to conquer any challenge that blocks the road to success.
So, how can you be the hero in this story? Well, first off, it's all about tuning in and paying attention – not just to the loud explosions and dramatic music of life, but to the quieter moments too. Sometimes, those are where the real magic happens, so learn to listen, attentively. Don’t brush off the feelings inside of you when a button is pushed by someone. Take the words of a loved one at face value. When someone says it is too loud for them, take action, don’t try to force them to be stronger willed.
Learn to recognize the triggers of ADHD, because being frustrated and reacting inappropriately to yourself or others due to your own inability to recognize the signs of ADHD IS NOT something you want to live with.
Back in the day, I strutted around like a big shot, managing things left and right at fancy universities and later when worked with the Department of Defense – all while keeping a secret clearance tighter than a clam's grip on a pearl. But here's the kicker: nobody – and I mean nobody – had a clue that I was rocking the ADHD boat, not even yours truly. It was like I was wearing an invisibility cloak, but instead of battling dark wizards, if I’m being honest, I was just trying to keep my attention from flying off into the stratosphere. It was anxiety times ten. I felt anxious and unfairly treated. I had trouble keeping focus on important details. It would have been so much easier had I known of my ADHD earlier in life.
When it comes to ADHD, throw away the instruction manual and embrace the chaos. ADHD isn't about fitting into neat little boxes; it's about coloring outside the lines and making your mark on the world in your own unique way. Learn what you can excel at and what you should avoid. If you’re a parent, let your kids' imaginations run wild and watch as they create masterpieces that rival Picasso.
But most importantly, learn about ADHD and be your own biggest cheerleader – and that goes for your partner or children as well, be the one waving the foam finger and chanting their name at the top of your lungs. Because with your love, support, and understanding, those with ADHD can soar higher than a superhero on a jetpack.
What’s your experience with ADHD? Share your thoughts in the comments below or tag a friend who needs to read this!
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For more insights, follow me on Twitter @JoelDorr or visit my website www.joeldorr.com. You can also reach out via email at joel@joeldorr.com.
Joel Dorr is an IT Manager and creative storyteller with a passion for writing, video production, and advocacy for ADHD awareness. Diagnosed with ADHD in his fifties, Joel brings personal insight and humor to his blog, helping others navigate their ADHD journey with confidence.
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